IQ: What have they got to hide?

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On Oct.27, city administrators approved a new policy regarding the release of public information. The city says the policy is intended to ensure that the Colorado Springs community receives "accurate, thorough and timely information" about the city. In reality, the policy limits reporters' access to public information and makes the reporting process cumbersome. What do you think about the city's actions?

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JULIET FILLWEBER

Juliet Fillweber

Barista Neighborhood: South

Is the city being too secretive about the way it operates? It's a little fishy.

What do you think about the city government's restriction of public information? They're holding all the cards, basically. That's never any good.

What do you think of the City Council meeting in secret? They're supposed to notify every time. That's not good. Even if [the public doesn't] want to show up, you've got to give them the opportunity.

What would be a legitimate reason for meeting in secret? Anytime with leadership, you've got to meet together first, so when you do have a meeting, it's productive and not just mass chaos. So I think that would be the only reason, so that when citizens do show up to something, they're not disappointed in how it's organized.

Name a city council person. Not even close, no. No, I can't.

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LESLIE WILBER

Leslie Wilber

Student Neighborhood: Calhan

Is the city being too secretive about the way it operates? I don't know if they're necessarily being secretive, but it makes them seem like they're being secretive.

What do you think about the city government's restriction of public information? It's probably not a very good idea. I mean, it's not something people are going to like.

What do you think of the City Council meeting in secret? They ought to give notice. If they're not giving notice ... what are they doing that's so secretive?

What would be a legitimate reason for meeting in secret? I'm sure there are legitimate reasons. I just can't really think of any.

Name a City Council person. Nope, probably not.

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MORGAN JUSTUS

Morgan Justus

Restaurant worker Neighborhood: Manitou

Is the city being too secretive about the way it operates? It sounds like it to me.

What do you think about the city government's restriction of public information? That takes away from the whole "public" information aspect.

What do you think of the City Council meeting in secret? I think it's taking away from our democracy.

What would be a legitimate reason for meeting in secret? There's got to be a reason that they're hiding from the public.